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Scam Alerts

Shopping for a car can be fun and exciting. But wading through ads and promotions from car dealers also can be stressful. Some advertise unusually low prices, low or no up-front payments, low- or no-interest loans, or low monthly payments. But the FTC says to use caution: Not all dealers play by the rules. Continue Reading >

At Social Security, we provide benefits that are economic lifelines for millions of Americans—including many with severe disabilities—and we work hard to preserve these critical resources for only those who should receive them.

We have zero tolerance for fraud. And, we back up this commitment with strong protections, policies, and our dedicated employees whom we encourage to report suspected fraud. Continue Reading >

Here at the FTC, we think about scams all day long. What are the scammers’ new angles? How can we keep ahead of them? We hear from people about the scams they see, and we turn that into tips people use to spot and avoid scams.

But scammers find FTC staff, just as they find the rest of America. My colleagues and I have even gotten calls on our work phones, offering reduced credit card interest rates, or claiming to be tech support calling about problems with our computers. We also get the calls at home. In fact, someone claiming to work for the IRS called my house just last week: Continue Reading >

In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, the Consumer Protection Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office unveiled its annual list of the top ten consumer complaints. During the 2014 calendar year, consumers filed 9,568 complaints and inquiries. This represents a 10% increase in complaints and inquiries from the 8,654 complaints filed in 2013. Continue Reading >

Millions of homeowners woke up in their homes this morning thanks to a loan modification. When the threat of foreclosure loomed due to the loss or reduction of income, illness, divorce or other reasons, loan modifications lowered mortgage payments and helped many families stay in their homes and communities. Continue Reading >

Love is a powerful thing. So when a loved one calls or emails, saying they’re in trouble, you’d want to help, right? If they ask you to send cash immediately — should you follow your heart?

The short answer is: no. Unfortunately, scammers pretend to be someone you know to trick you into sending money. They might pressure you to wire money quickly to help with an emergency — to get out of jail, pay a hospital bill, or leave a foreign country. Continue Reading >

Every year, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), encourages people and businesses to learn more about avoiding scams and understanding consumer rights. This year, NCPW takes place March 1-7, 2015. NCPW highlights free resources from government agencies and consumer organizations to help people make smarter buying decisions and spot rip-offs. Continue Reading >